Dockers' runner escapes punishment for 'bad day'

Fremantle runner Shaun Tinsley has escaped censure, with the AFL attributing his disruptive positioning in Saturday night’s clash against Geelong to simply having a ‘‘bad day’’.

Umpires twice awarded free kicks against Tinsley for being too close to the action and to Cats players, with Channel Seven’s cameras also keeping a close eye on his movements.

Tinsley was also seen lingering in open space, a tactic that can make opposition players, already under pressure, feel as if they have to look elsewhere to kick the ball to. Runners have also been accused of coaching on the ground.

After viewing footage of the incidents, the AFL said Tinsley, a former Western Bulldog, would not be fined.

‘‘The runner hadn’t done it for a while, from what I understand, and it seems he just had a bad day with his positioning and had the two frees paid against him,’’ AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said.

‘‘It’s our view that clubs are well aware of a runner’s role and that they can concede frees, and the two infringements from this game sends a strong message that they can’t be in the way of play. I would expect he wouldn’t have the same issues next game.’’

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Dockers coach Ross Lyon later said Tinsley had not done anything wrong.

“He’s a bit slow. I certainly didn’t use a runner for coaching,’’ he said.

“They like to stay out there because I yell at them a bit. So there’s not much incentive to come back [to the bench].